Police have launched a month-long campaign to catch drivers under the influence or drink or drugs.

The #ItsNotWorthTheRisk initiative will see more road-side checks in the run up to Christmas and New Year.

Any driver involved in a collision will be tested with a breathalyser under the scheme.

Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary are working together on the effort as part of Operation Holly.

Chris Appleby, Road Safety Sergeant for Thames Valley Police, said: "Drug and drink driving are both very serious offences and all drivers need to understand the gravity and consequences of their actions if they drink and drive.

Driving under the influence is a leading cause of death and live changing incidents in motor incidents (Image: Thames Valley Police)

"If you are not sure, then it is not worth the risk.

"Operation Holly is designed to be a deterrent to any motorist thinking about driving while impaired by the effects of drugs or alcohol.

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"The importance of personal responsibility for your choices must be emphasised.

"Please think about the pain and misery you could inflict on innocent road users by a reckless decision to drive or ride after taking drugs or consuming alcohol.

"Drug drivers should realise we can now test on the roadside for certain drugs.

"Only a trace amount of an illegal drug in a person’s system could lose them their licence like drink driving.

"We do not need to prove you are impaired."

(Image: Thames Valley Police)

Those breaking the law can face a whole host of penalties, such as a criminal conviction, a prison sentence, driving ban, and the loss of a career.

Furthermore, if you have a criminal convictions you may not be able to travel to America.

Travelling to any country where you need a visa or a working permit can be very difficult with a criminal record.

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Members of the public are encouraged to report under the influence drivers by calling 999 if the driver is presenting an immediate risk, or call 101 with details of the last known location of the vehicle, make, colour and registration, if known.

Or, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. The operation began on Friday, December 1.

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In a final comment, Sergeant Appleby said: "A conviction for drink/drug driving has the potential to ruin a person’s life and the incident itself the potential to cause serious injury or death on the roads - It’s not worth the risk."